Volume 60 Issue 15

THE USD VISTA

An end to ‘unprecedented times’

California officially ends state of emergency

COLIN MULLANEY COPY EDITOR

Three years ago, on March 12, 2020, the University of San Diego — along with many other institutions across the nation — announced their closure due to the newly emerged coronavirus, known to most as COVID-19. While rumors had swirled for weeks preceding the memorable date, few Americans understood the sweeping ramifications of this novel disease, nor were they aware of what would soon unfold in the short term. Commonly referred to as an “unprecedented time” across the country, the earliest days of the COVID lockdown were marked by internet memes about toilet paper shortages and the phrase “two weeks to flatten the curve.”

During the week leading up to the beginning of the pandemic, all major USD events, student club gatherings, sports games and other meetings and practices were canceled. The Student Health Center, along with Student Affairs, also sent out

separate emails to students with resources and updates regarding the growing issue of COVID.

In the original email announcing the University’s

transition to online learning, President Harris addressed the severity of COVID and its threat to faculty and student health.

“This new designation of

COVID-19 as a pandemic requires the university to take even more dramatic steps to scale up our emergency response […] We are canceling all classes from March

14-22 to enable our faculty and students to prepare for remote teaching and learning,” President Harris wrote in 2020. For many students, the news was devastating. For others, the dangers of COVID were not yet apparent.

USD senior Alyanna Jalbuena reflected on the moment she first received the email from the University, and how it felt being sent home as a first-year student in the spring of 2020.

“I remember being in the middle of my Chemistry lab practical when a faculty staff member came in and told the class that we’re probably going to be sent home. Saying goodbye to my friends was so casual at the time, because we thought we would see each other in person after two weeks.”

The transition from inperson to online was challenging for most, as students and staff learned how to use Zoom and adjusted their schedules.

USD senior Alex Ortiz described his experience transitioning to online learning, while also moving back home.

“It was kind of hectic. Adjusting to classes online took time, because it was

COVID, Page 2

This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosted the 95th Academy Awards, also known as the “Oscars,” on March 12. The Academy Awards have been around since 1929, honoring films released each year. Outstanding films from the previous year are nominated for various reasons in 24 different categories, from directing, editing, costume design and more, celebrating each film’s accomplishments.

‘Best Picture’ is the most competitive category of the night, with 10 movies competing for the title. “Everything Everywhere

95th Oscars recap Academy winners, comebacks, diversity and celebrations STELLA SCHNEIDER ASST. A&C EDITOR @USDVista @theusdvista uofsdmedia.com Don’t miss the latest news. Find us online:

All at Once” was favored to win by audiences in this category and in a number of others at the Oscars. It was originally picked up by A24 after its premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival and grabbed the attention of

audiences across the globe. Many predicted its success at the Oscars this year as it was nominated for 11 different categories. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” won at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, Writers Guild of America (WGA) Awards, Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards and Indie Spirits. While “Everything Everywhere All at Once” captured the hearts of many, “All Quiet on the Western Front” won ‘Best Picture’ at the British Academy Awards (BAFTA). This German film highlights the atrocities of World War 1 in Germany. With its win for ‘Best Picture,’ many wondered about the success of the film at the Academy Awards. In the end, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” won the best picture.

‘Best Picture’ winner “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is available on Showtime or Paramount+ with a subscription, or available for purchase on Prime Video for $19.99.

See Oscars, Page 3

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Ke Huy Quan won ‘Best Supporting Actor’ at the 2023 Oscars. Photo Courtesy of @nytstyle/Instagram

MEI FLORY MANAGING EDITOR

The third anniversary of COVID-19

Toreros reflect on pandemic three years after lockdown

From COVID, Page 1

much easier to get distracted, and the classes were less engaging,” Ortiz said.

The pandemic also made Jalbuena more appreciative of those close to her, especially amid the losses of loved ones.

“It made me value my relationships more [...] I lost two of my uncles to COVID. However, throughout these obstacles I think it has encouraged everyone to embrace time with their loved ones,” Jalbuena said. “Not being able to see my family and friends after a while made me value in person connection and time more. I’ve definitely learned to cherish the time I have with my friends now, especially as a graduating senior.”

Along with the major losses of life throughout the pandemic, for Asian Americans such as Jalbuena, the lockdowns brought up the issue of anti-Asian hate and racism. According to an

NPR broadcast from 2021, approximately 4,548 hate crimes against Asian Americans were reported for the year of 2020.

During the majority of the pandemic, Jalbuena was concerned for the safety of her parents, her grandparents and herself.

“We noticed more elderly Asians were targeted so we bought pepper spray for them. Even coughing in public during COVID I feel like I was getting even more stares just because I was Asian. I would literally try to hold in my cough,” Jalbuena said.

USD junior Maryana Castro felt similarly and also feared that she would be attacked.

“I didn’t get hate-crimed, but I thought I would. I was just afraid of always getting classified as the ‘Asian girl,’” Castro said.

When first-year students entering college in the fall of 2020 finally did arrive at USD, the dorm population was reduced

to half, with only one student per suite of any on-campus apartment. USD opted not to return to in-person learning, but housing was still available for students who needed it.

Castro commented on how empty the campus felt.

“Living in Manch [Manchester Apartments] as a freshman, in a double room by myself, campus felt like a ghost town. Everyone on campus was close, because there was barely anyone.”

Ortiz shared the same sentiments as Castro. He noted that the transition back to campus felt pointless, since learning still took place on Zoom.

“There was no point really in trying to transition us back, especially in a peak of the pandemic. Moving back was really socially isolating because they were really strict with COVID regulations. My roommate even got kicked out of USD housing because of it,” Ortiz said.

In addition to dealing with isolation and restrictions, firstyears who are now juniors grappled with issues of loss and mistrust in institutional powers. Since their senior year of high school was largely lost to COVID, the class of 2024 worried about losing their limited freedoms and privileges in college.

“The uncertainty definitely gave me trust issues, and I was worried a lot if I would be sent home soon,” Castro shared.

Now — three years since March 2020 — the California state government marked an end to all COVID emergency measures and protocols.

According to the office of Governor Gavin Newsom, the administration is seeking “two statutory changes immediately upon the Legislature’s return: 1) The continued ability of nurses to dispense COVID-19 therapeutics; and 2) The continued ability of laboratory workers to solely

process COVID-19 tests.”

Otherwise, Newsom’s emergency powers to “make, amend and rescind state regulations [and] suspend state statutes and redirect state funds” will no longer persist, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The Biden administration announced its plan to declare the pandemic emergency over on May 11 of this year, at which point state and federal governments will be aligned in their stance on controlling the virus.

The California Department of Health reported that California deaths due to COVID surpassed 100,000 earlier this year, which is about an eleventh of the total U.S. death toll of 1.1 million since 2020. California has the highest total death toll of any state, followed by Texas, Florida and New York. Although the emergency protocols may have ended in California, the substantial loss of life will continue to affect people all over the world, and at USD.

Every year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) conducts the “Youth Risk Behavior Survey” (YRBS), measuring health behaviors in high school students around the United States. On Feb. 13, the CDC released the data from the 2021 survey as well as an analysis of trends of the past 10 years from 2011-2021. Although this survey analyzes high school students in 2021 when the survey was conducted, many USD first-years and sophomores were still in high school.

According to the YRBS, poor mental health has continued to rise in the past 10 years. The percentage of high school students who experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness grew from 37% in 2019 to 42% in 2021. These numbers are much higher for female students and LGBTQ+ students who experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, at 57% and 69% respectively.

USD’s student wellness team confirmed the rise of

increasing mental health concerns, commenting “we have continued to see an increase in mental concerns in teenagers and young adults over the past several years. While it’s difficult to come to a definitive explanation for this, several studies have pointed to the potential negative impact that social media may be having on young people’s mental health. Furthermore, young people who hold marginalized identities (ie. LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and female-identified individuals etc), often experience higher rates of mental health concerns, which can be significantly impacted by experiences of racism, sexism, homophobia, as well as access to care barriers in various communities. During the pandemic, students also experienced increased isolation and loneliness, which are issues in and of themselves and can exacerbate existing mental health issues.”

The CDC also attributed worsening mental health to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a 2022 press release on the CDC’s website, the CDC’s Acting Principal Deputy Director Debra Houry explained, “The COVID-19

pandemic has created traumatic stressors that have the potential to further erode students’ mental wellbeing. Our research shows that surrounding youth with the proper support can reverse these trends and help our youth now and in the future.” The new YRBS further corroborates the effect of COVID-19 on youth mental health.

USD first-year Fiona Smith commented that she was not surprised that the percentage of students who felt sad and hopeless grew during the pandemic.

“A lot of people were isolated and away from their friends. And especially for people of that age, all of their social development is based on their peer relations more than their parent relations. And if you’re at home alone with only your parents, and you don’t have those peer relations to build upon, I could totally see how that could lead to more sadness and hopelessness.”

Smith expanded that she believes this affected many of her peer’s transition into college.

“I think it made people make it a lot more difficult for people to have social interactions because they have been away from them for so long. It definitely makes

it a lot harder for people to connect with one another.”

USD senior Carina Tanaka is the President of USD’s “Active Minds” club, which seeks to bring education and create conversations about mental health. She noticed how COVID19 especially impacted younger students, who were in high school when the pandemic started.

“Fortunately, I was already in college when COVID began, but I can tell that it has left a lasting impact on this generation’s mental health,” Tanaka said. “Students who transitioned from high school to college during COVID definitely had a more difficult time adjusting to college. These students have experienced quicker burnout, limited opportunities to socialize with their peers and were challenged with creating a healthy balance between school and personal life. Because of this, students were less engaged in classroom discussions and were less likely to be involved on campus.”

Although COVID-19 had many adverse effects on mental health, Tanaka says it also created an opportunity for mental health to be prioritized.

“Administrators, instructors and other students including myself realized that we need to take a step back and evaluate the consequences of the pandemic and how prioritizing students’ mental health can improve education and quality of life at USD.”

One of these initiatives Tanaka pointed to is TimelyCare, a free service for all USD students that provides 24-hour access to virtual mental health care, as well as 12 scheduled counseling visits per semester. Another way USD is prioritizing mental health care is with wellness events and groups such as Active Minds which bring awareness to mental health.

Students who are struggling with their mental health are encouraged to book an appointment at USD’s counseling center. For immediate help, the counseling center’s 24-hour number is 619-260-4655. Other resources include the 24-hour San Diego Access and Crisis Line which can be reached by calling 1-888-724-7240, or the national suicide hotline at 988. All of these resources and more can be found at the student wellness website https://sites. sandiego.edu/youareusd/.

ANJALI DALAL-WHELAN ASST. NEWS EDITOR

ARTS & CULTURE 2023 Oscar winners

Honoring this year’s best films, actors, directing and more

Oscars frpm Page 1

“All Quiet on the Western Front” was nominated for nine categories and took home four wins throughout the night. With wins in ‘Best International Feature Film,’ ‘Cinematography,’ ‘Production Design’ and ‘Original Score,’ the film still captured the attention of audiences across the world.

Another heavily talked about category of the Oscars is ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role.’ Every year, actors are highlighted for their performances in films released the year prior. While there are five nominees for the category this year, two performances had many debating who would win: Brendan Fraser from “The Whale” or Austin Butler from “Elvis.”

Butler won at the Golden Globes Awards for ‘Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture,’ while Fraser won ‘Best Actor’ at the Critics’ Choice Awards, which added to the hype leading up to the Oscar night.

Brendan Fraser won the title of ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’ this year, with an emotional acceptance speech.

USD junior Abby Stallard commented on the two nominees for ‘Actor in a Leading Role.’

“The Elvis Presley fan in me was hurting over Austin losing, especially after his amazing transition into the legendary Elvis. But I can’t help but cheer Brendan on for his performance, especially with the comeback stories celebrated this year,” Stallard expressed. “I was emotional over his [Brendan Fraser’s] return to the screen and Ke Huy Quan. I’m so proud of them both making it to that stage and finally being celebrated.”

Ke Huy Quan, winner of ‘Best Supporting Actor,’ was well known for his role in the Indiana Jones franchise and ‘The Goonies.’ After these films, Quan didn’t return to the screen until 2021. In his tearful acceptance speech, Quan explained his journey from a refugee boat as a kid to accepting an Oscar as an adult.

“They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe this is happening to me. This is the American dream!” Quan was overjoyed at his win and was seen reuniting with Steven

Spielberg, writer and director of the Indiana Jones franchise, Quan’s first role on screen.

‘Best Actress in a Leading Role’ also looked to be between Michelle Yeoh’s performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and Cate Blanchett in “Tár.” The success of Michelle Yeoh playing Evelyn in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was apparent throughout the year with constant recognition for her performance.

On the other hand, Blanchett has won multiple awards for ‘Best Actress’ in a number of different film award ceremonies that have already taken place. At the Oscars, Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian woman to win, ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role’ and only the second woman of color to win in this category in the 95 years of the ceremony.

Yeoh’s speech was empowering to women, especially mothers everywhere — celebrating womanhood and diversity. Michelle Yeoh’s award was presented to her by Halle Berry, the only other woman of color to win ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role.’ Normally, the winners of best actor and

actress from the previous award ceremony present the award to the new recipients, but after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on the stage last year, he was banned from attending the awards. As a result, Berry was the one to present the award to Michelle Yeoh.

USD Professor Dr. Eric Pierson reflected on the diversity at the Oscars on Sunday.

“It was much more diverse than the past, but whenever we have movies that make an impact like this [Everything Everywhere All at Once] we hope it changes dynamics, but a year later it hasn’t changed at all,” Pierson expressed. “But Michelle Yeoh has been around for a while with interesting work so I was glad that she won best actress. Halle Berry giving her the award is something monumental for film lovers but may be overlooked by the casual viewer.”

The multiple categories show respect to all the work put into a movie. From talented directors, cinematography, music and writing, the Oscars support different people and groups that come together to release new, exciting films year after year.

Winners of every category:

Best Picture

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Actor Brendan Fraser (The Whale)

Actress Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

Supporting Actor

Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

Supporting Actress

Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

Directing

Daniel Kawn and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

Original Screenplay

Daniel Kawn and Daniel Scheiner (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

Adapted Screenplay

Sarah Polley (Women Talking)

Cinematography

All Quiet on the Western Front

Production Design

All Quiet on the Western Front

Editing

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Original Score

All Quiet on the Western Front

Original Song

Naatu Naatu (RRR)

Costume Design

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Makeup and Hairstyling

The Whale Sound

Top Gun: Maverick

Visual Effects

Avatar: The Way of Water

International Feature Film

All Quiet on the Western Front

Animated Feature Film

Pinocchio

Animated Short

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

Live-action Short

An Irish Goodbye

Documentary Feature Film

Navalny

Documentary Short

The Elephant Whisperer

Michelle Yeoh is the first Asian woman to win the Oscar for ‘Best Actress.’

Photo courtesy of @Dior/Instagram

Inside the world of Sarah J. Maas Dissecting the author’s fantasy crossover series

JESSICA MILLS ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

This article contains spoilers for each of Sarah J. Maas’ series publications. For many readers, including myself, Sarah J. Maas has become a favorite author. With millions of copies sold worldwide in 38 different languages, Maas has taken hold of the fantasy genre as the #1 New York Times and international bestselling author. Known for her world building and character development, Maas is the author of the series “Throne of Glass,” “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and “Crescent City,” as well as the standalone, “Catwoman: Soulstealer.”

Published in August 2012, “Throne of Glass” (TOG) follows Celaena Sardothien, also known as Aelin Galathynius, an assassin with quite the reputation in the corrupt kingdom of Adarlan. While trapped in the slave camp of Endovier, crown Prince Dorian offers Celaena something too good to pass — her freedom. However, in order to obtain her freedom she must participate in a competition with other killers, thieves and warriors and upon defeating them all, she will be crowned as the King’s champion, the new royal assassin. But, when contestants begin to turn up dead, Celaena quickly discovers that she must act before she becomes the next victim.

With eight books following her brutal journey with friends, lovers and many enemies along the way, there’s plot points geared toward every fantasy reader. There’s action-packed fight scenes, kidnappings, magic systems, romance, witches, pirates, faeries and much more. As the series progresses, Celaena reveals her true identity as the lost Princess, the Queen of Terrasen, who survived the massacre of her parents. Aelin takes on the responsibility of keeping her friends, loved ones, kingdom and people safe from outside forces — sacrificing much in the process.

While labels such as Queen are fitting for Aelin, her other titles — Adarlan’s Assassin, Witch Slayer, Fireheart and (my personal favorite) Fire-breathing b***h-queen, portray her loyal, unhinged and ruthless nature.

Equally, if not more popular, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (ACOTAR) presents Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who provides and protects her family after falling on hard times, despite being the youngest daughter.

While hunting in the woods, Feyre unknowingly kills a faerie and finds herself plunged into the world of fae — a species she wholy detests. Not long after, a beast comes to demand payment for the murdered fae and Feyre unwillingly agrees to live out her days with him in Prythian, one of the faerie realms. The beast, Tamlin, is High Lord

of the Spring Court and lives in a beautiful manor, covered in lush flowers and greenery.

All of Tamlin’s household wear masks, unable to remove them due to a plight affecting their magic. Feyre ultimately becomes the key to unlocking the curse, standing against the self-proclaimed Queen of Prythian, Amarantha.

While the series is unfinished, five publications currently exist for readers to discover the truly magical world.

USD senior Audrey Dixon is currently starting Maas’ TOG series and has read all of ACOTAR.

“I loved [ACOTAR], I think I underestimated the series when I read the first book and thought it’d be a mindless read that’s just full of a bunch of cliché tropes,” Dixon explained. “But the series is full of Easter eggs and clues to a way more interesting and complex plot.”

One of the Easter eggs takes place when we’re introduced to Rhysand, the morally gray character who is revealed to be both selfless and Feyre’s mate — a rare and special bond given between a pair of individuals. When first meeting Rhysand, Feyre is dangerously cornered by two fae males. In an attempt to save her, Rhysand’s statement, “There you are. I’ve been looking for you,” goes beyond their initial interaction and reflects the deeper bond and fate between the two.

Maas is well known for her dedication to character

development and complexity. For example, we meet Nesta, Feyre’s oldest sister who doesn’t take well to their family’s fall from riches and grace. Despite being the most senior of the sisters, Nesta allows Feyre to go on dangerous treks, risking her life as their sole provider.

I spent books one through four passionately hating Nesta. She’s rude, uncompromising and everything an older sister does not usually represent. But, by the fifth book, “A Court of Silver Flames,” I realized how much I identified with her character. After being forced to become and live as a fae, readers see Nesta’s gaping, unhealed wounds. She struggles with depression, suicidality, the war that’s thrust upon them and subsequent death of family and friends.

Rather than painting a happy, shiny picture after winning the war, Maas allows readers to face the harsh reality of a post-war world. Nesta’s struggle to allow people to love her and with loving herself made her into an incredibly layered character.

Maas shows the entanglement that is Nesta Archeron in the fourth book, “A Court of Frost and Starlight.” Saying, “[Nesta] hadn’t felt anything in months. Had days when she didn’t really know where she was or what she’d done. They passed swiftly and yet dripped by. So did the months. She’d blinked, and winter had fallen. Blinked,

and her body had turned too thin. As hollow as she felt.”

USD junior Viviana Moiso has read all of ACOTAR and TOG and believes that Maas’ unwavering fandom is due to her popularized genre of “fairy porn” and capability as a writer.

“People love ‘smut’ and people love fantasy/faerie/ fae stories and SJM made a beautiful combination of the two,” Moiso said. “I think the depth and detail she manages to write is truly a feat of her skills as a writer and a world builder. Every detail [is] so well planned which is so compelling to me.”

Many well-planned details take place in Maas’ newest fantasy series “Crescent City,” an urban fantasy depicting Bryce Quinlan, a half-human, half-fae that seeks retribution for her murdered friends.

Quinlan finds herself dragged into the murder investigation, paired with Hunt Athalar, a notorious Fallen angel, enslaved to the Archangels he once sought to overthrow. The first two books are filled with slow-burn tension between the pair, dangerous adventures, plot twists, villains and everything in between.

Ending on a cliffhanger, the second book “House of Sky and Breath,” ends with Bryce falling through a Gate, depositing her in an unknown land she believes to be Hel.

Instead, in a shocking turn of events, she ends up in Prythian, beside Feyre and

her family, practically making me throw my copy across the room when reading the book’s last sentence — “Hello, Bryce Quinlan. My name is Rhysand.”

Maas illustrated a similar scene in TOG as well, when Aelin falls through multiple faerie realms. Which just proves that this multiple series crossover has been in the works for years.

Revealed last week on the Bloomsbury website, the third “Crescent City” book will be available January 2024. Across social media platforms, especially TikTok, fans have concocted their own theories about what will happen in the newest addition.

Some readers however, took issue with some of Maas’ included concepts. For example, TOG centers slavery as a major topic. ACOTAR also depicts conversations and scenes of sexual assault, abuse and nonconsensual drug use.

“But that’s part of why I think SJM has such an interesting following — because there is such a difference in people who support or critique her,” Moiso said.

Many fans, myself included, were thrilled with the news of ACOTAR’s Hulu adaptation, which Maas is working as one of the screenwriters. A release date and additional information regarding the show have yet to be released.

Whether you’re new to Sarah J. Maas’ books or a veteran, there’s a story here for everyone.

Many ACOTAR fans enjoy drawing the series’ characters, such as Feyre Archeron.

Photo courtesy of @Artworks_by_rokii/Instagram

The unusual world of festivals

Four interesting holidays and events celebrated outside the U.S.

SATVIKA NITYA ASST. A&C EDITOR

A big part of American culture is rooted in participation in group festivities and the eagerness for the holiday spirit. From the values of Thanksgiving dinner to the widespread commercial success during Valentine’s Day, and the hype of Super Bowl Sundays to the cheer and festive joy of the Christmas season, nothing brings families closer in the U.S. than big celebrations and holidays.

And this trend does not stop at the borders of the West. Rather, countries all around the world come closer together because of festivities and holidays specific to their region. Derived from either local historical stories or subjective traditions for international holidays, here’s a list of four unique celebrations that happen annually across the world.

La Tomatina (Spain):

Celebrated on the last Wednesday of August every year, La Tomatina is the world’s largest food fight festival that takes place in the small town of Buñol in eastern Spain. People from all over the world come to participate in this unusual tradition by using an ammunition of 120 tons of red tomatoes to throw and fight amongst a population of 20,000 people.

This festival does not have any significant reason for its origin, rather starts from a simple brawl that occurred near a vegetable stand in 1945, resulting in a tomato food fight between those involved.

In the years that followed, the fight was repeated, inviting larger crowds and spectators to participate upon every repetition. It even got banned in the 1950s during the fascist Franco dictatorship on the grounds of having no religious significance, but after a local protest against the ban, the festival was reinstated and gained massive international popularity.

Now, La Tomatina is a well-organized event that invites large crowds and lasts for an hour starting midnight on the assigned day. Trucks filled with tons of overripe and inedible tomatoes drive and drop the tomatoes on the ground of the fight area.

After the trucks leave, all the participants dive onto the ground, scooping up tomatoes and arming themselves for battle. Right after the hour-long limit of the festival, fire trucks and firemen hose down the area.

In fact, the acidity of the tomatoes helps aid the cleanup of streets. This year, the festival will be held on Aug. 30.

Bloomsday (Ireland):

Celebrated on June 16 every year, Bloomsday is the annual tribute to one of the most influential Irish authors, James Joyce, and his most famous book, “Ulysses.” The day is named after the book’s protagonist Leopold Bloom, the character that helped immortalize Dublin during the late 1800s in all its gritty reality.

The first-ever celebration of this day was seen in 1924 by a small group of people, two years after the novel’s publication.

Today, the festivities are bigger than ever in Dublin, with the city’s streets transported back to the book’s setting of 1904 filled with readings, performances, workshops and walking tours.

People dress up in Edwardian fashion to resemble the characters, and the whole day is spent as a day in the life of “Ulysses” — eating the featured food and reenacting scenes in the places mentioned in the book.

Cultural figures, literary enthusiasts and regular readers from around the world wait for Bloomsday, a celebration that has proven to be delightful even for those who have never read this classic.

USD first-year Sofia Quinonez considers herself a big reader and talked about her reaction to hearing about this festival.

“It’s super cool, and

I’m definitely jealous,” said Quinonez. “Props to Dublin for doing that ‘cause reading culture is really cool and seeing an entire festival based on a book and people celebrating it is amazing. Even people who haven’t read the book can be a part of it because now the book is part of a tradition.”

Picnic Day (Australia):

A regional public holiday recognized by the Northern Territory of Australia, Picnic Day is celebrated on the first Monday of every August with several traditions. Its origins vary from home to home but one of the more popular interpretations explains that the holiday was first declared to give a break to the railway employees in order to visit the Adelaide River and take pleasure in a picnic.

However, other stories say that the holiday was initially started to memorialize the liberation of the Chinese Coolie, a group of bonded laborers, who chose to visit Adelaide River for a picnic after their freedom. Additionally, it was started to commemorate the success of the beginning of the annual Harts Range races, which included activities like riding, barbecue and dance. Regardless, Picnic Day was declared a public holiday in 1936 and today, many families

celebrate it by going on short trips, picnics along the Adelaide River, attending the Harts Range races or relaxing and enjoying the long weekend at home. Businesses and schools shut down for the day; those who visit the river get involved in activities like tug-o-war, sack and three-legged races, egg and spoon races as well as eating traditional railway food and refreshments that are served by local vendors. This year, Picnic Day falls on Aug. 7.

Friendship Day (India):

Though Friendship Day is internationally recognized by the United Nations on July 30, national traditions in India celebrate this day every year on the first Sunday of August. With its establishment originating from the founder of Hallmark Cards, Joyce Hall, this day was unpopular in the West because it was viewed as another way to capitalize on a made-upholiday. However, many Asian countries commemorate this day by celebrating friendships through small gift exchanges.

In India, specifically among kids and teenagers, the day is marked with the exchange of friendship bands and rings. A stock of friendship day merchandise is purchased from local shops the day before and on Friendship Day.

Kids tie bands and give out rings to their friends, with the quality of the gift equally demonstrating the quality of your friendship. Oftentimes, kids will attempt to fill their forearms and fingers with bands and rings so that they can count them all at the end of the day.

For older teenagers, this day is often marked with planned outings and smaller gifts to show appreciation for the friendships cultivated in their life. This year, Friendship Day falls on Aug. 6.

USD sophomore Adriana Myers talked about her reaction to the customs of Friendships Day rituals.

“It sounds like so much fun and seems like a good bonding experience,” Myers said. “It would be a great thing to have in the U.S. ‘cause it would bring people closer. I love days that are specifically assigned for certain themes and this just gives an excuse to celebrate the friends in your life and the people you love.”

Celebrating, participating and even learning about different traditions in other countries helps spread intercultural dialogue. Festivals and events often tell us a lot about the values, beliefs and people that celebrate them. Taking a step to become more aware and involved in other cultures can be both intellectually rewarding and fun.

People participating in the food fighting portion of La Tomatina festival.

Photo courtesy of @Latomatinaoficial/Instagram

Cultural and literary enthusiasts from around the world come together for this yearly celebration in June.

Photo courtesy of @Bloomsdayfest/Instagram

Fr. Gregory McGivern’s journey

How ‘the troubles’ of Ireland shaped a USD spiritual leader

ALYSSA HAAS CONTRIBUTOR

Father Gregory McGivern was born and raised Catholic amidst “The Troubles” of Ireland, a time of chaos and revolution. This violent and disorderly period of war and unrest was just the beginning of McGivern’s ministry journey, starting in Northern Ireland and continuing to the University of San Diego.

Gregory McGivern was raised in Northern Ireland, not far from Belfast. He is the oldest child in his family and has two younger sisters and two younger brothers. He described his life in Ireland to be good until the emergence of “The Troubles” when he was eight years old. He recalled the unsettling and traumatic events that were unfolding around him as he was growing up, including arriving at school and seeing friends missing from their seats who were later found to be victims of sectarian violence.

Through the violence and difficulties during his formative years, McGivern found comfort and security in the church. McGivern found a natural gravitation to God through his family and his school. At age 18, McGivern began a six-year seminary, a university curriculum with a seminary formation. He remembered being curious about studies and theology and began to see faith in a broader sense, since he was more grown-up. McGivern was guided by his curiosity about his faith and his questions about God and wanted to understand what the faith that had been given to him, truly meant in his own life in the world unfolding around him.

“I was open to the new learnings and the new questions, which were received with openness. That was a period of learning and growing,” McGivern said.

McGivern was ordained as a priest in 1985 after completing seminary. He returned to his community in the North of Ireland where he began his ministry journey for the next seven years. McGivern reflected on the tragic events that he experienced in the community that influenced his ministry journey, including a bombing of a school where he worked.

“The church was almost demolished. There was a lot of trauma and a lot of fallout there in terms of the violence,” he recalled.

Through these tragedies, he found light in the formation of his youth group.

After his ministry journey with his community at home, McGivern was transferred to a different cathedral in another town where he spent seven more years. After his time there, he transferred to a “picturesque” parish for three years. Through

connections in his parish, he was blessed to work with a nonprofit organization called Concern Worldwide which held projects in Third World countries.

“This had a tremendous impact in terms of being exposed to the famine, being around people that were dying…women were starving to feed their children and there was anarchy everywhere,” he remembered.

McGivern strove to look for God despite the tragedy.

“The people were so beautiful and it reminded me of the interconnectedness of all in terms of a war community. And their needs were just like my needs and they were victims of awful structures of oppression and marginalization and that changed me forevermore.”

After going back to Ireland in the month of December after his experience in Africa, he recalled his experience that “people were going crazy, shopping. And I couldn’t have any of it, I kept thinking of these people that would be having none of this.”

McGivern felt the impacts of this long after.

“After that, I realized that all the things that I had been preoccupied with in terms of what was important on the journey just completely didn’t make sense,” McGivern said. “But it was also an invitation to relive life through a different lens and examine my value system and pay attention to what it is we really need for the journey and life. Most of those things I realized were those that money can’t buy.”

Just be present with people. Be compassionate, be welcoming, just share the resources.” A fundamental moment for him was a conversation with a priest on a retreat where he was told, ‘There is also a mission at home.” This inspired him to pursue a sabbatical opportunity back home in Ireland.

“A whole world opened up in terms of possibilities. I realized that I was tired of the impacts of all of the troubles and this work had taken its toll. I needed my self-care. I needed to become what I was advising others in my pastoral care,” he said.

After he traveled in Vietnam and Australia, he made his way to America for another sabbatical opportunity and settled in Northern California at Saint Patrick’s Seminary in the heart of Silicon Valley, at the peak of opportunity and investment.

Coming to the end of his Sabbatical year with four months left, McGivern had an interesting experience that inspired his next course of action. This Bishop of his diocese, who was also a graduate of his seminary, asked if he had ever thought of coming to the states to work for a while.

He remembers feeling hesitant at first and was curious if it was

an invitation from God to serve.

“I had no other family in America. Everything that I knew and loved was back in Ireland, so it was weird. I was thinking about what knowing nobody here would be like,” McGivern said. So I thought about it and I realized that inner stirring and the invitation to come to America was really strong.”

After some revisiting and reflecting, McGivern’s calling only got stronger. The Bishop reluctantly approved and McGivern was transferred to a San Jose Diocese in Northern California. He worked in two parishes in Northern California which were greatly enjoyable for him. It was the second parish where he decided he would go to Graduate School at a Jesuit university in San Francisco for two years. He was inspired to pursue a new focus in school and pursued his Masters in Theology and History. While studying, he discovered a particular interest in the systems that supported people who have experienced a similar situation to “The Troubles” that he grew up in. He completed a Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Program and became a licensed marriage and family therapist. Through this, he was able to work with migrant families in San Francisco at the Missions District of St. Peters, which served as a safe haven.

“I just got goosebumps. I got to be part of that. It was a blessing,” McGivern exclaimed. “All of the people who had been subject to such trauma and marginalization...their resilience and hope for a better future touched me at a deep level. They gave me more than I could ever give them. In terms of whom they were, helping their children get an education, and they were so hardworking but still they were so alienated just because they didn’t have paperwork. I wanted to be an advocate for that, so anything that I could do, I leaned into that. That still bothers me in terms of the issues and injustice.”

McGivern’s life experiences helped him understand and support others. Many of the students that he worked with were firstgeneration students and reminded him of the interconnectedness within his life experiences.

“It was the most beautiful and rewarding…their resilience, ambition for learning, and ambition not to repeat the cycles that were in their family. They went off to college and did well.”

That impacted his view on women’s roles in patriarchal church environments and he was inspired by the women who were able to express themselves and build a sisterhood.

“Those young women taught me so much about what it meant to be a good man,” he added. The school unfortunately closed,

but McGivern continued his ministry at a trauma-informed residential facility and high school. This school was for boys who were affected by adverse childhood experiences.

“It took a lot of work and time, many of the boys came from communities filled with violence, drugs homelessness,” he said.

Although this experience was enriching, the COVID pandemic shifted the circumstances and the facility had moved in a different direction that was no longer aligned with his faith-based ministry. McGivern was presented with two new promising opportunities to consider including healthcare in Colorado or education at USD.

“The physicality of the University is just so fascinating. And then to meet the students, that was the icing on the cake. It has been a good fit.”

At USD, Father Greg is responsible for the University Ministry Scholars Program and works with the Military Connect and the Veteran, the Graduate and Law Schools, The University Commons, and the sacramental part of the university.

“I just love meeting students and I think my ministry is focused on the relational and establishing rapport and really listening to where the students are in terms of their journey and them trying to be their authentic selves, whatever that looks like.”

At the University, McGivern has been able to further develop his ministry among the university community as well as focus his personal faith and pursuits.

“Language is very important and I try to be very intentional about being restorative in my

language, which is aligned with my spirituality,” he said. “Compassion, self care, forgiveness, hopefulness, not to deny the pain and suffering...I also believe that I am a lifelong learner and I step into spaces of not knowing. I am also curious and I think that is something I will always be in terms of paying attention to the flow of life and where people are.”

McGivern has high hopes for the students at the University of San Diego.

“I hope that students’ hopes and dreams come to fruition in mind, body, spirit, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually,” McGivern said.

He reminds students to “stay hopeful, continue to dream and don’t be too harsh if you make a mistake. These are moments of growth.” he said.

He encourages students to seek out support at the University in every facet.

“Be your own self-advocate. You are not just a number,” McGivern said. McGivern’s inspiring story about connecting with the world around him throughout his ministry continues to touch the USD community. He lives graciously and sees his time with the University as a gift that he wants to share.

“Students have voices, gifts and talents, and a lot of them don’t recognize it,” he added.

He urges students to be who they are and not to lose their uniqueness.

McGivern’s admirable journey continues at the university and his positive impact serves as a reminder of the ever present interconnectedness of the USD community.

Fr. Greg pictured in front of his Seminary in Ireland.

Photo courtesy of Fr. Gregory McGivern

Let’s talk about porn

The porn industry perpetuates violence toward women

JESSICA MILLS ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Content warning: sexual content, sexual violence, violence against women, nonconsensual sex, verbal aggression and derogatory terms.

Pornography, also known as “porn,” is a taboo word that refers to the highly lucrative industry that produces and creates sexually explicit content for viewers. Revolutionized by the internet, anyone with a wireless connection and computer is able to experience their sexual fantasies at any time, anywhere. Much of which is entirely free.

While the nature of the films vary, physical and emotional violence, aggression, degradation and humiliation are frequently present toward the woman (or women) — particularly in heterosexual videos With 28,000 people in the U.S. watching porn every second, according to Recovery Village, it is crucial to examine the types of films that are produced and consumed as well as their impact on society.

From a research study conducted in 2017, researchers found that 90% of the most popular pornographic video discs (DVDs) contain physical aggression such as spanking, gagging and slapping. 50% include name-calling as a form of verbal aggression. Rather than showing two (or more) individuals experiencing a sexual act together, the films frame sex as something happening to — rather than with — the woman. Along with other research, this study links domestic violence as a result of the porn industry.

Furthermore, the female participants are often shown as willing and animated participants, leading viewers to repeat the behaviors and actions in their own bedroom, likely hoping for similar results. The repetitive violence against women in porn — forceful penetration, degrading positions, derogatory words and harmful power dynamics — normalizes and even encourages this for porn viewers when having sex.

As pornographic films became more widely accessible, the rate of violence against

women and young girls has increased. In 2022, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women reported that worldwide, one in three women, aged 15 and older, are subject to physical and/or sexual violence, an increase in recent years.

While sexual desires range for everyone, fantasies of forced sex are the most popular among men, reported by author, sociologist and researcher Natalie Purcell. This includes mistreating, coercing or forcing a partner into submission. Across social media platforms, many men have shared their preference for violent sexual acts and ultimately ignore how this contributes to violence against women.

“Amateur porn,” is a category that utilizes non-professional actors when creating/ producing pornography. This trend was heightened in 2016 when the internet content subscription OnlyFans emerged. The platform is primarily used by amateur sex workers who produce their own content, participating in single, duo or group acts. Unlike popular porn platforms, such as PornHub, OnlyFans often showcases real couples or individuals with relational intimacy. With over 170 million global subscribers, the service’s influence is immense.

Many prefer OnlyFans to other platforms because the former pays their creators directly, allows more space for non-professionals and features less aggressive content. Viewers are often less intimidated by amateur porn, illustrating more realistic and even teachable moments between authentic couples.

However, many of the videos depicting soft porn — sexual content that is less violent, hardcore or detailed — employ video titles that suggest the opposite, such as utilizing words like “sl*t”, “wh**e”, “b***h” and other derogatory terms. The videos may depict a loving couple, but the way the creators choose to label creates a power imbalance and deprecates the female participant.

Despite some films on OnlyFans presenting nonaggressive videos, the same violent actions are present in the overall, vast majority.

Viewers see women, often in a heterosexual relationship,

being forced into positions of submission, where they’re further debased. Because this service is referenced as “amateur,” it normalizes and desensitizes this treatment toward women in amateur, or real settings outside of the porn industry, regardless of hether they’re in a monogamous or non-monogamous relationship.

Viewers are also missing a key part of these sexual scenarios — a conversation regarding consent and boundaries. Individuals are entitled to their

own sexual preferences. But, by skipping over this area, watchers only see various forms of verbal and physical aggression played out, without a prior discussion and agreement.

Like everything else in life, what you engage with matters. There’s numerous platforms where one can watch or purchase ethical pornography. Ethical porn focuses on making films that are consensual and in a safe environment with diverse bodies, racial identities and genders.

Viewers can also monitor what they already consume. Checking the title and content of the films and only watching videos that are consensual and non-aggressive toward any participant is a great way to boycott those in the industry continuing unethical practices. Despite what’s shown on these platforms, sex doesn’t have to be violent.

Bottom line: it’s your decision to watch porn. But, it’s important to be aware of the kind of porn you’re watching.

The views expressed in the opinion section are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

Pornography actively influences how women are treated in the bedroom.

Photo courtesy of @WomanizerToys/Unsplash

Inspired by the story of a girl who was exploited on Pornhub, this illlsutration conveys how the porn industry profits off violence.

Photo courtesy of @LailaMickelwait/Twitter

McKenna Braegelmann advocates wellbeing

AMARA BROOKS SPORTS EDITOR

“You are worthy.” “You are enough.” These are just a few words USD junior McKenna Braegelmann wishes she was told when she was struggling with her mental health after suffering a sports related injury.

At the age of 14, Braegelmann had a sports accident while pitching in a softball game that resulted in a brain bleed and skull fracture. While recovering from the injury, she discovered that the mental impacts lasted a lot longer than the physical ones.

“At the time I didn’t know what PTSD was,” Braegelmann explained. “I would experience these panic attacks, I was so afraid to pitch. My coaches would tell me that I was horrible.”

It wasn’t until Braegelmann attended college that these struggles became worse, causing her mental health to deteriorate rapidly, impacting her both academically and personally.

During her first year at USD, she had her first experience with a psychologist. Around this time, she discovered a lot of her troubles getting back on the mound were from PTSD, and that she was also struggling with anxiety and depression.

“As soon as I shared it, it was the most liberating feeling. I’m not saying that it went away, but it became much easier to deal with,” Braegelmann said.

Every day, athletes are faced with the ideal that they not only have to be physically strong, but they also need to have a high degree of mental toughness. For many, mental toughness translates to never showing weakness or asking for help when needed. According to the National Library of Health, 25%

of college athletes have clinically relevant levels of depression symptoms. These symptoms make it harder for athletes to attend practices and class while also performing at their highest capabilities. Depression is not the only mental illness student athletes face, but it’s the most commonly reported. Other illnesses like eating disorders and anxiety disorder are becoming more prevalent among students, however student athletes are less likely than other populations to ask for help.

This stigma around mental toughness in sports makes it that much harder for athletes to vocalize and ask for support.

Many athletes around the world from various sports have started to use their platforms as a space to share their vulnerable experiences where they struggled with their mental health. Athletes like Michael Phelps and Hope Solo

publicly share their struggles with topics like depression, anxiety, ADHD and addiction. Knowing athletes at the top of their game also struggle with their mental health has started to change the discourse around mental toughness.

In 2021 Simone Biles received criticism during the Tokyo Olympics when she withdrew from the competition in order to focus on her mental health. Biles stated that she plans to return for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sharing experiences has been a huge way for other athletes to take the first step in asking for help.

Throughout Braegelmann’s journey of getting help she started to reflect on ways she’d wish the journey could’ve been made easier for her.

“I realized how alone I felt in the process and if I would’ve known about anxiety, depression and PTSD….. I could have done different things to cope or just even talk about it more.”

She shared that a lot of her journey felt as though she was suffering in silence for so long, because she thought no one would understand what she was going through. Upon realizing that many athletes feel the same, Braegelmann started to share her story and advocate for the importance of mental health conversations in sports.

“My hope was to touch one person, not even a lot of people,” Braegelmann explained.

Along with her personal Instagram, Braegelmann has started her own company and “The Words I Wish I’d Heard” project which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Through this project she has partnered with a company in Canada to curate sweatshirts with affirmative words and phrases that Braegelmann would often journal when going through her own journey.

Braegelmann shares how throughout her time at USD, the university’s athletic department has also placed mental health advocacy at the forefront of every sport.

“We have these workshops with sports psychologists and they come and talk about a topic in a group setting,” Braegelmann shared. “Some of those topics are like communication with your teammates, communication with your coaches and stress management. We even have a nutritionist on staff that is able to talk about a little bit of the nutritionist side of things and how to get what we need.”

Currently, the University has three sports psychologists and one therapist who focus on student athletes mental health and wellness.

Student athletes are not required to visit these psychologists, but then are highly encouraged to seek out these resources if needed. The sports psychologists help athletes improve and develop the tools needed for performance excellence, by focusing on skills such as effective team work, visualization and stress management.

Recently, Braegelmann and the rest of the USD softball team have used post-it notes in an effort to continue to spread positivity around campus. The notes contain positive messages and affirmations and are placed around various campus buildings.

It is important to continue to advocate for mental health support in sports. By diminishing the stigma around mental toughness and sports other athletes will be able to understand that they are not alone in their struggles.

In sharing her final words she wishes she’d heard, McKenna Braegelmann wants other athletes to know, “Everyone’s fighting that silent battle and if you are fighting that silent battle, there is hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel. And to always remember that you’re loved, you’re worthy, you’re enough and your mental health so matters.”

Mental health is just as important as physical in sports

USD softball placed post-it notes around campus to spread positivity.

Photo courtesy of McKenna Braegelmann

Braegelmann uses her platforms to advocate for mental health.

Photo courtesy of McKenna Braegelmann

25% of college athletes have clinically relevant levels of depression symptoms.

Photo courtesy of McKenna Braegelmann

Spring Break recap

Torero athletes remained diligent over the break

AMARA BROOKS SPORTS EDITOR

While many students took off to Europe, Cabo and various other spring break hot spots to relax this past week, the work did not stop for student athletes. Both women’s and men’s basketball closed off their season in Las Vegas at the WCC Tournament, and softball and baseball hit it out of the park as their spring season kicked into full swing.

Women’s Basketball

Women’s basketball had an electric regular season, finishing with a 17-12 winning record. The team traveled to Las Vegas and started the 2023 WCC Tournament as No. 3 seed, with their first game against No. 6 seed Portland. Just a week before, the Toreros hosted Portland at the Jenny Craig Pavilion for their senior game, where they had an electric 7458 win. However, the team fell to Portland after they stole the game at the free throw line, with a score of 57-71. USD seniors

Kiera Oakry and Kasey Neubert led the Toreros offense, as both scored 12 points. This was also a big game for USD senior Myah Pace, whose two steals in the game placed her third on the Toreros all-time steals list.

USD senior Ayanna Khalfani was named WCC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, making her the second consecutive Torero to win the honor. Since Jan. 28, Khalfani has averaged 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 17.1 points per game in her last eight games of the season. Khalfani

has proven herself to be an integral part in both defensive and offensive efforts on the team. Oakry was also awarded the WCC’s All Academic Team and her first All-WCC honors.

Oakry had the strongest season of her career and was a reliable scorer for the Toreros. At her career best, she averaged 10.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.

On Monday the team announced they will be hosting the WNIT Opening Round.

Men’s Basketball

Along with the women’s team, the No. 9 seed men’s basketball headed to Las Vegas where they faced No. 8 seed Portland during the first round of the WCC Tournament. The team had a crushing 92-74 defeat after Portland managed to score 10 free throws in the last three minutes of the game. USD fifth-year guard Marcellus

Earlington led the team with 15 points and eight rebounds during the game. In his return after being out for the past six games, USD graduate guard Eric Williams Jr. placed 15 points, five rebounds and two assists on the board. The team ended their season with a 11-20 record.

The league named Earlington to All-WCC Second Team. Earlington is ranked fifth in the conference, averaging 17.3 points per game and ninth in rebounds, averaging 6.8 per game. Earlington became the first player in program history to score at least 30 points in back-to-back games this season. Earligton was impressive at the free throw line,

shooting 80% on high volume.

Softball

Softball stayed busy with eight games scheduled over the duration of spring break. The team went into the break with the San Diego Classic. The San Diego Classic was co-hosted by USD and San Diego State University, with the games played between the two universities’ stadiums. The Toreros finished the tournament with a 3-1 record, defeating SDSU, Montana twice, and suffering a crushing loss against Boston University. The team’s dominant pitching allowed them earn back-to-back shutouts against State (4-0) and Montana (12-0) day one of the tournament. The win over Montana marks the first time since 1999 that the Toreros have recorded their largest margin of victory in a shutout. Following the San Diego Classic, the team had a San

Diego Tournament where they were scheduled to face three opponents. Saturday’s games against Michigan State and Western Carolina were canceled due to weather and field conditions. The team picked back up the next day with games against Western Carolina and Yale. The Toreros had an impressive 8-1 win over Western Carolina and a defeating 1-4 loss against Yale.

Baseball Baseball traveled to Fort Worth, Texas, for a series of games against No. 10 Texas Christian University (TCU).

The team competed in a threegame against TCU at Lupton Stadium and started the series with an impressive 14-2 victory against the Frogs. The Toreros secured their victory by scoring multiple runs in each of the first five innings of the game, with a high of five runs in the fifth

inning. Redshirt Junior James Sashin had his best start yet, keeping TCU to just one run in six hits, striking out six and walking none. The Toreros lost the last two games of the series by close margins, a 1-3 defeat for game two and 4-5 in game three. USD junior infielder Kevin Sim had a home run in game two and was responsible for the team’s only run scored.

Men’s Golf

Men’s golf competed in the Lamkin San Diego Classic. San Diego golf placed sixth out of the 15 teams competing. USD junior Andi Xu and redshirt senior Harrison Kingsley both carded five-under 211s in the event. Xu improved each time out with rounds of 74, 69 and 68, while Kingsley recorded rounds of 72, 65 and 74. This coming weekend the team heads to Arizona to compete in the two day Arizona NIT.

Garrett Rennie held TCU to two runs on just three hits across six innings.

Photo courtesy of @usdbaseball/Instagram

USD placed sixth in the Lamkin San Diego Classic.

Photo courtesy of @usdgolf/Instagram

Women’s basketball hosts the Opening Round of the WNIT.

Photo courtesy of @usdwbb/Instagram